Jessica joins us to talk about the joy, confidence, and community she’s found through playing for Crewe Alex Women.

Helen shares why grassroots football matters to her and how the game continues to shape her confidence, connection, and commitment on and off the pitch.

In this deeply personal episode of Her-Stories, we speak with Juliet, a 60-year-old community worker and fierce advocate for women’s health, who shares her powerful experience of being diagnosed with late-stage ovarian cancer. Juliet walks us through her journey from unexpected symptoms, surgery, and chemotherapy, to the emotional toll and mental resilience it took to keep going.

With raw honesty and warmth, Juliet reflects on the silence surrounding ovarian cancer, the strength of the NHS, and the importance of strong women-like her own mother- who inspired her fight. She reminds us that survival isn't just about treatment, but also about processing trauma, seeking support, and daring to talk about the parts of womanhood we often hide.

💚 “I’m still here- and I’m grateful. That’s enough.”

In this energising episode of Her-Stories, we meet Violet Lennon, an 11-year-old ice hockey goalie with big dreams and the work ethic to match. From playing with Deeside Dragons to representing England in Canada’s top junior tournament, Violet is already breaking barriers in a male-dominated sport.

She opens up about balancing school and sport, the mental strength needed to shake off mistakes, and the subtle inequalities still facing women in hockey. With wisdom beyond her years, Violet shares how she handles pressure, inspires other young athletes, and stays laser-focused on her goals.

🏒 “I just put it behind me and get ready for the next shot.”

In this episode of Her-Stories, we sit down with Roma, the young entrepreneur behind Roma's Cakes and Bakes in Cheshire. Roma opens up about her journey from baking in her grandmother’s kitchen while watching the Kardashians, to running a thriving cake business alongside teaching PE and being a devoted stepmum.

With warmth, humour, and unfiltered honesty, Roma reflects on the challenges of self-employment, the pressure of perfection, the power of social media, and the art of juggling it all- often late into the night, dusted in icing sugar and glitter. We talk imposter syndrome, family support, burnout, and the joy of turning a passion into a career.

Roma’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t always straight-lined, that confidence grows through doing, and that sometimes your most meaningful achievements are built one wonky cake at a time.

🍰 "Rome wasn’t built in a day- and neither was Roma’s cake business."

🎙️ Her-Stories Podcast: Stitching Stories with Domestic Dusters

In this inspiring episode of Her-Stories, host Kate Blakemore is joined by artist and academic Vanessa from the University of Brighton, founder of the powerful community art project Domestic Dusters. Together, they explore how a humble yellow cleaning cloth became a canvas for women's voices, creativity, and shared experiences.

Vanessa shares the origins of the project, rooted in the domestic traditions of storytelling and textile work, and explains how embroidery has sparked conversations across generations- from Crewe to communities of unpaid carers, refugees, and beyond. With over 800 dusters stitched by women across the UK, each one becomes a mini-protest, a personal reflection, or a loving legacy.

Listen in as we discuss the mindful, empowering act of stitching, the stories held in thread, and how this simple object is bringing women together in powerful, visible ways. Plus, find out how you can join the project, pick up your own duster pack, and become part of a growing movement of creativity and connection.

🧵 “We can't wait to see your stories embroidered on a duster.”

Hazel Reeves joins Kate to speak through womens stories and the use of statues to celebrate these